GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Calvin College, ranked 12th in the current D3hoops.com poll, reeled off a 16-2 run over a 4 ½ minute span of the second quarter to seize control and it went on to score a 95-71 victory over Albion College in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's basketball action at Van Noord Arena Saturday afternoon.
Albion found success early, attacking the basket and matching Calvin nearly point-for-point. Jay Bard, who scored 10 points in the first 11 ½ minutes of the contest before being saddled with foul trouble, knocked down a layup as Albion trailed 22-19 early in the second quarter.
Anna Timmer and Kally Varkaik scored from three-point range on consecutive possessions as Calvin extended the margin to 28-19.
Albion trimmed the deficit to 28-23 on baskets by Bard and Darian Payne, but the Knights took off from that point. Verkaik and Timmer started the rally with layups and Lauren Goldthorpe and Tiffany Karger added three points apiece.
Calvin buried 75 percent (6-of-8) of its attempts from 3-point range as it outscored Albion, 26-13, in the third quarter.
Bard finished with a career-high 18 points, hitting 9-of-14 from the field. She also dished out five assists.
Oreyana Curry joined her in double figures with 13 points. Darian Payne reached double figures in rebounds for the sixth consecutive game when she pulled down 11 boards.
Calvin placed five in double figures, led by Bre Luurtsema with 18. Aly Spayde added 14 and Tiffany Karger produced 12 in a reserve role. Timmer achieved a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds and Verkaik finished with 10 points.
Albion will complete its slate of December games against MIAA rivals on Wednesday when it plays host to Olivet College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Kresge Gymnasium.